Evangeline Zamora, LifeQuest director, and Ann Marra of LifeQuest presented the agency's programs to Rep. Dianne Hamilton, Rep. Rodolopho “Rudy” Martinez, and Sen. Howie Morales at the Legislative Forum, hosted by Prospectors.
“We have two main programs,” Zamora said. “The Early Intervention Program for the 0-3 years age group, in which we have 135 clients, and the adult program, which is funded under a Medicaid waiver and Department of Health funding. We have 70 participants in the four-county area.
“Our challenges include that we are 97 percent dependent on the two funding sources,” Zamora said.
Marra said the Early Intervention Program serves 135 children in the four counties. “The parent choice law was repealed, so we can no longer take any new children over the age of 3. They can go through Part B through the schools to receive help.”
Marra said the agency has undergone a lot of changes, but “we have good relationships with the schools. We give services for 14 hours, down from 19, if a person has a disability.”
“Many have multiple needs,” Marra said. “Changes have meant a reduction in services for a child, because we received funding for only two hours a month, if they are at risk developmentally or environmentally.”
Child find activities are held in Animas.
“The Red Hot Children's Fiesta is a great child find for us,” Marra said. “We have the child find twice a year in Catron County, and in Deming twice a month.”
She said early intervention helps children with transitioning with no break into the Family/Infant/Toddler Program, so parents become the advocates for their children.
Hamilton said, about five years ago, she had the opportunity to talk to some of the parents of these children.
“It was an eye-opening experience for me,” she said. “Catching these children early can lead to normal lives in classrooms.”
Martinez said he has had the opportunity to visit one-on-one with the parents and it helped him realize how it impacts the child. It gives the child an opportunity to move forward and be successful in education. “We've seen your success. We know you have seen cuts, but we support you.”
“You guys have educated us well,” Morales said. “Have you been informed of any cuts above the 5 percent you took at the first of the year?”
Zamora said the agency is reliant on state and federal funding.
“Medicaid is in redesign, so we're keeping our eye on it,” she said. “We're sustaining services.”
Morales said the Legislature is looking to tap into the Permanent Fund for about 1.7 percent. “That is why the Family/Infant/Toddler program isn't included. If you find out anything, share it with us. It has to be for Early Intervention, too. Can you give me an update on the roof?”
Zamora said the agency is looking for a loan. “We've very temporarily patched the two most vulnerable places. The repair is estimated at $75,000 to $90,000. We're looking at local banks. We've already adjusted our budget to provide services.”
Marra said there are 35 early childhood agencies across the state.
“We appreciate your constant support,” Marra said.
The next article will address the Tour of the Gila presentation.